Vehicle body straightening device



Mai-9h 26, 1940.

J. B. voess 2,194,991 VEHICLE BODY STRAiGHTENING DEVICE Filad Dec. 5,193g 3 SheetS Sheet 1 74 78% 1 i g INV'ENTOR ATTORNEYS March 26, 1940;

J. a; voess 2,194,991

VEHICLE BODY STRAIGHTENING DEVICE Filed me. 5, 1m @fiheets-Sheet 2ATTORNEYS 'M .26, 0- v 4. a. voess 2,194,991

VEHICLE BO DY STRAIGHTENING DEVICE Filed 155:. 5, :s Sheets-Sheet aATTORNEYS l atented Mar. 26, N40

. 2.194.991 VEHICLE BODY STEA'IGHTENING DEVICE Julius B. Vcges, TorreHaute, Ind. i

Application December 5 1938,, Serial No. 244,091 I 5 Claims.

My invention relates to automotive vehicles, and has among its objectsand advantages the provision of an improved tool for straightening lautomobile doors, bodies and thelike.

An object of my invention is to provide a device of the type describedwhich is so designed as to facilitate quick and easy mountingtof thetool inside the vehicle body and in which the tool embodies a relativelyhigh degree of flexibility as a mount for hydraulic jacks and otherinstrumentalities to the end that the body maybe effectively repaired.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of a chassis frame illustrating my inventionapplied thereto; I

Figure 2 is a view taken from the position indicated by line 2-2ofFigure 1 with certain parts of the tool removed for the purpose ofi1lustration; I v

Figure 3 is a sectional view along the line 33 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the tool with a partremoved for the sake of Figure 9 is a top plan view of the toolillustrated v in Figure 8; and

Figure 10 is an end View with certain parts illustrated in section.

In the embodiment selected to illustrate my invention, I make use of anI-beam H which is positioned at the upper ends of vertical I-beams l2.Each I-beam I2 is provided withan inverted U-shaped member I4 fixedlysecured thereto by bolts Hi. The bights of the members M are locatedsufiiciently far beyond the upper ends of the I-beams-lZ to accommodatethe width of the flanges E8 of the I-beam 1B. This I-beam is locatedwith its Web 20 positioned horizontally, and the members M are slidablyrelated to theI-beam for relative movement longitudinally of the same.

For bracing purposes, each Ibeam I2 is interconnected with the I-beamIll through thejmedium of a web 22. Fig. 4 illustrates a portion of oneI-beam I2 and its associated Web 22, Web 22 is provided With a flange 24positioned adja-. cent the web 26 of the I-beam and fixedly securedthereto by screws 28.- Similarly. the flange 30 is of such width as tolie between the flanges I8 of the-I-beamlll and is fixedly secured tothe web 20. by bolts 32', see Fig. 1.' This figure illustrates the web29 as being slotted at 34 for the accom-' modation of the bolts 32,which bolts are threaded into the flange 30 of the web 22. Thus theI-beam 12. may be shifted longitudinally of the I-beam H! and secured inpredetermined positions of adjustment through the medium of the.

bolts 32. Both. webs 22 are of the same conhead 36 as being rectangularin cross section for embracing the I-beam l2. Web 22 is slotted fat 42for accommodating one wall of the head 35 so as to permit relativemovement of the head longitudinally of the I-beani. Heads 35 areidentical in construction. i

To the spherical bearings 40 done of the heads 36 I connect trussmembers 44,.see Fig. 2. The

spherical bearings 40 associated with theother- I head 36 are alsoconnected'with truss members 46. Members 44 and 46 are identical inconstruction with the exception that the members 46 are slightly longer.

In Fig. 2, each member 44 comprises a tube 48 within each end of which Isecure a shank 50 of a connecting member 52.

The uppermember 52 is'recessed at 54 for partly embracing the associatedbearing 40. The memher is also recessed at 56 for the 'receptionof acompanion member 58 recessed in the same man ner as the member 52 forcooperation with the.

bearing 48 to provide a universal joint. Com panion member 58 is fixedlyconnected withthe member 52 by bolts 69; The-members 52 and 58associatedwith thelower end of the tube 48 are Figures 1 and 2illustrate the crossmembers 64 and 68 as being provided with ears l2bored for the reception of bolts 14 arrangedtc pass through openingsinthe body floor '66 and the flanges 'I8 of the chassis frame. channels80. In operation, body bolts of the automobile are removed foraccommodation of the bolts 14. Fig. 2 illustrates the cross members .64and 68 as beingof. slightly different lengths to'accommodate the wideand 55 narrow runs of the chassis frame. The device may be attached inthe same manner at various positions inside the vehicle body by removingdifierent body bolts.

2 illustrates the tubes as as being provided with collars 82 providedwith lugs ki l to which I pivotally connect threaded sockets 88, as at88. Fig. 2 illustrates one of the I-beams I2 as being provided with arectangularly shaped collar 38 which embraces that I-Ioeam and isprovided with ears 512 to which I pivotally connect socket members 95,as at Elli. Socket members a l are threaded for connection with screws98, wliichscrews have threaded connection with the sockets 86 with thethreads reversed so that rotation of the screws 88 in one direction willpivot the truss members Mi inwardly of the associated I-beam I2, whilerotation in the opposite direction will pivot the two members outwardly.The other I- beam I2 is also provided with a collar 98 which isconnected with the members it in the same manner as the collar 96associated with the members 44.

In Figs. 1, 2 and 3 I illustrate the horizontal I-beam ill as beingprovided with connecting members Iilil to which instruments such ashydraulic jacks and the like may be attached for straightening purposes.Fig. 3 illustrates two members each of which includes a plate H32 lyingadjacent one of the flanges It and provided with hooks it'll whichslidably embrace the outer margins of the flange IS to permit shiftingof the member IIlIl longitudinally of the I- beam Iii. The members itsare identical in construction and operation. Fig. 1 illustrates one ofthe members Iiiii, which member includes spaced ears IIIB between whichI position a connector I98 pivoted upon a shaft Ill carried by the twocars. Connector IIIS is provided with a transverse bore H2. I

Fig. 2 illustrates a hydraulic jack H 1 of conventional construction,which jack includes spaced flanges H6 arranged to be passed over theassociated connector HIS and attached thereto by a pin IIB which isslipped through aligned openings in the flanges H6 and the opening H2 inthe connector Iiiil associated with the jack. The hydraulic jack I M isillustrated as being provided with a removable tool Hill which isarranged in pressure relation with the automobile body I22 for pressingout dents therein. Hydraulic jacks of conventional construction areprovided with a series of tools I20 of diiferent configurations so as topermit various types of body dents and distortions to be straightened.Since the hydraulic jack is old and well-known in the art, a detaileddescription thereof is unnecessary.

It will be noted that the jack maybe pivoted about the shaft iii as anaxis so as to permit precise adjustment of the jack for straighteningpurposes. At the same time, the member IGII associated with the jack maybe shifted longitudinally of the I-beam iii for bringing the jack intothe range of the distorted area to be straightened. In some cases bodydistortions require a pulling force for straightening purposes. Fig. 2illustrates one of the members Illt as being provided with a screw I26having flanges I26 corresponding to the flanges Ilfi. A second screw I23is operatively connected with the screw IZ l through the medium of aturnbuckle I36. Screw I28 includes an eye I32 for connection with chainsand the like which may be connected with parts to be straightened.

Fig. 1 illustrates a diagonal truss member I3 1. Referring to Fig. 5,the truss member I34 oomprises a shaft I36 to which I connect a memberI38 having spaced arms Hill between which the web 22 attached to one ofthe I-beams I2 is positioned, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 6. The web22 is provided with an opening for the reception of the bolt I42 passedthrough openings in the spaced arms Mi Shaft I38 is slidable inside atube M4 provided with a series of openings I46 for selectively receivinga pin I48 passing freely through a transverse opening H30 in the shaftiSIi. Thus the shaft I36 may be shifted inside the tube WI and latchedin different positions depending upon required operating conditions.

The lower end of the tube HM is pressed into a socket 52 provided withdiverging arms I54 provided with eyes I56 for the reception of themembers 6i, see Fig. 2. Thus one I-beam i2 is interconnected at itsupper end with the members be associated with the other I-beam below thesame. Eyes I55 have loose fits with the members 64 so as to facilitateassembly and de tachment for packaging and transportation purposes. v

In some cases the connecting members I80 may be insufficient forrepairing certain parts of a damaged vehicle body. To this end, I mounta rectangularly shaped collar I53 upon each of the I-beams I2. Thecollars are adjustable longitudinally of the I-beams and may be securedin diiferent positions through the medium of set screws I56. Fig. 2illustrates one of the collars I58, which collar is provided with twonecks I82 each provided with a head I64. Heads I66 are positioned onopposite sides of the collars I58. The collars I53 associated with thetwo I-beams I2 are identical in construction, so that the description ofone will apply to both.

Fig. 2 illustrates a collar I68 connected with one of the necks I62 forsupporting a horizontal I-beam I68. Each collar IE8 is connected withone collar I65 for supporting the I-beam I88 in the manner of Fig. 1.Collar IE5 is provided with a slot Iii) for receiving the associatedhead I65, and the collar is slotted at M2 for accommodating theassociated neck I62, so that collar I66 may be dropped into connectedrelation with the neck and head. Collars I58 may be adjusted verticallyof their respective I-beams I2 so as to support the I-beazn 568 atdiiferent heights as well as in different angular relations with respectto the horizontal. The collars H36 may be rotated about the necks I52 asaxes to permit angular adjustment of the I-beam I68. The set screws I50will effectively connect the collars I58 with their respective I-beamsI2. I-beam W8 may be provided with one or more of the connecting membersIilil to the end that the hydraulic jacks and other working instrumentsmight be mounted in lower positions than that illustrated in Fig. 2.

In Fig. 6, I illustrate the manner in which a vertical I-beam. I14 maybe secured to the horizontal I-beam I68 and the I-beam IE. Fig. 7illustrates a connector head I76 for supporting the upper end of theI-beam l'M. Connector member H6 is provided with a slot H8 for receivingthe head IEIS on a plate H22 having opposed channels I8 i for embracingone of the flanges E8 of the I-beam HI. Channels i8 l are slidablyrelated to the flange i8. Head I62) is connected with the plate I82through the medium of a neck {86, which neck is receivable within a slotI88 in theconnector member I'Iii communicating with the slot Hi8. Fig. 6illustrates the plate I82 connected with the I-beam I0 and the verticali-beam I14 connected with the head. One end of the connector head I16 isprovided with a plate" I90 terminating in opposed channels I92 forembracing the flange I94 of the I-beam I14.

Fig. 6 illustrates a connector I96'having opposed channels I 08 forconnection with the flange 200 of the I-beam I60, which member also in-vcludes opposed channels 202 for connection with the flange I94 of theI-beam I14. One of the channels 202 is provided with a set screw 204 forfixedly relating the flange I94 to the connecting member I66. Connectingmember I96 may be shifted longitudinally of the I-beam I68 which is alsotrue of the plate I82 so that the I-beam I14 may be moved to and fro onthe I-beams I and I68. Fig. 6 illustrates the I-beam I14 as beingprovided with one of the connecting members I00. It will thus be seenthat a tool may be associated with the connecting member I00 of Fig. 6and adjusted longitudinally of the I-beam I14 to secure precise locationfor the tool.

Fig. .1 illustrates the I-b'eam I0 as being provided with an angular run206 which conforms generally to the downwardly extending roof area 208of the automobile body I22. Connecting mem-- bers I00 may be associatedwith the angular run 206 in the same manner as with the horizontal runof the I-beam.

It will thus be seen that my invention embodies a tool which may easilybe firmly anchored to a frame structure of an automobile for supportingstraightening tools. I-beam I0 serves as a mount for tools employed instraightening the roof and uppe margins of the side walls. A number ofconnecting members I00 may be associated with the I-beam I0, and themembers may be connected with opposite sides of the I-beam so as torender the tool serviceable for, repairing both sides of the automobilebody at the same time. In addition, the members I00 are easily adjustable longitudinally of theI-beam so -as to secure precise location ofthe straightening tools which may be associated therewith. I

Horizontal I-beam I68 may be adjusted to various angular positions andserves as a mount for connecting members I00 in the same manner as theI-beam I0. I-beam I14 serves as a mount for connecting members I 00, andthe I-beam may be moved longitudinally of the I-bearns I0 and I68 tosecure precise location for theconnecting members I00. Truss members 44and 46 are pivotal at their ends, while the members 64 and 68 areadjustably connected with their respective tubes 66 and so as tofacilitate adjustment of the ears 12 for accommodating the bolts I4 withrespect to the body bolt openings of the vehicle. The I-beam structure,while being easily and quickly adjusted to the required needs of aparticular job, is effectively braced so as to provide a sturdy mountfor the straightening tools.

In Figs. 8 to 10, I illustrate a slightly different form of myinvention. This form includes a vertical I-beam 2 l0 provided withcollars 2I2 and 2I4 corresponding tothe collars 36 and 90, respectively,with the exception that collar M4 includes one set of flanges 2I6 only.Collar .2I2 is connected with truss bars H8 in the same'manner as thecollars 36 are connected with the truss bars 44. Truss bars 2I8 are ofthe same construction as the truss bars 44. Figs. 8 and 10 illustratethe truss bars 2I8 as being provided with ears 220 corresponding to theears 12 for connection with bolts 222 corresponding to the bolts 14. AnI-beam 224 is pivotally connected V 3 at 226 withfla'nges 22am amusi-230'mounted on the I-beam 2l0. The I-beam 224 is arranged at an angle tothe horizontal so as to be operable within the declining rear end 208 ofthe'vehicle body. This I-beam may be provided with connecting members232 corresponding toxthe con -necting members I00.

The lower end of the I-beam224 is provided with a collar 234corresponding to the collar 2I2 and connected withtruss bars 236 inthe'same manner. Truss bars 236 are considerably shorter than the trussbars 2I8. Fig. 10 illustrates the specific construction of the trussbars 236. In the sectioned truss bar, the threaded shank 238 is threadedinto a socket 240, which socket corresponds to the parts 52 and 58 ofFig. 2 for con-1 nection with the spherical. bearing 242 formed on themember 244 telescopically related to the tube 246, which is alsotelescopically related to the second member244. ,Members 244 areprovided with ears 248 corresponding to theears 220. Ears 248areefiec'ti've over a shorter span so as to be adaptable to the'narrowerruns of the chas-v sis frame. A diagonal truss bar 2500f the sameconstruction as the diagonal truss bar I 34 is pivotally connected at252 with a flange 3 254 formed on the collar 2I2. A collar 256 isconnected with the truss bar .250 and with the flanges 216 through themedium of a screw258 correof the truss bar 250 are connected with themembers 244. It will thus be seen that the tool of Figs. 8 to 10 may beutilized within a relatively small space and that it provides anI-beammount for straightening tools in the same manner as the I-beams I0or I68; Truss bars 2J8 are each provided with a collar 262 each of whichis connected with a screw264 corresponding to the screw 258. Theopposite ends of the screws 264 are connected with the collar 2l4through the medium of flanges 266. I v

The truss member I34 has its upper end connected with the associatedplate 22, which plate is bolted to its respective I-beam I2 and thehori- I I34 affords ample support for the I-beams I2,

since little, any, vertical load 'is transmitted to the I-beam I0.

Referring to Fig. 1, the slots 42 in the plates 22 provide accommodationfor the heads 36 so, that the I-beam I0 maybe adjusted for height.

Truss member I34 may be adjusted to permit the plates 22 to be droppedonto the heads 36 in cases where itis necessary'to direct straighteningforces vertically. With respect to the I-beam 2| 0, the collars 230 and2I4 may be fixedly secured to the I-beam by suitable-set screws, such asthose indicated at I60 and 204 in Fig. 6.

I claim: 3

1. An automotive vehicle body repairing device comprising spaced uprightmembers, bracing means connected with the upright members for fixedconnection with the vehicle inside the body thereof, a cross memberconnected with said-upright members, a straightening tool mount carriedby said cross member and a toolmounting means adjustably connected withsaid upright members. I

2. An automotive vehicle body repairing device comprising spaced uprightmembers, brac .ing means connected with the upright members for fixedconnection with the vehicle inside the body thereof, a cross memberconnected with said upright members, a straightening tool mount carriedby said cross member, a tool mounting means adjustably connected withsaid upright members, and a vertical tool mounting means adjustablyconnected with said cross member and said tool mounting means.

3. An automotive vehicle body repairing device comprising spacedmembers, bracing means connected with the members for bolted connectionwith the vehicle inside the body thereof, a cross member connected withsaid upright members, a straightening tool mounting means adjustablycarried by said cross member, a second cross member adjustably relatedto said members, and a straightening tool mount adjustably carried bythe second cross member.

4. An automotive vehicle body repairing device comprising spacedmembers, bracing means connected with the members for bolted connectionwith the vehicle inside the body thereof, a cross member connected withsaid upright members, a straightening tool mounting means adjustablycarried by said cross member, a second cross member adjustably relatedto said members, a straightening tool mount adjustably carried by thesecond cross member, a vertical member adjustably carried by the firstand second cross members, and straightening tool mounting meansadjustably carried by said vertical member.

5. An automotive vehicle body repairing device comprising spacedmembers, bracing means connected with the members for bolted connectionwith the vehicle inside the body thereof, a cross member connected withsaid upright membars, a straightening tool mounting means adjustablycarried by said cross member, a second cross memberadjustahly related tosaid members, a straightening tool mount adjustably carried by thesecond cross member, a vertical member adjustably carried by the firstand second cross members, straightening tool mounting means adjustablycarried by said vertical member, and bracing means between said membersand their respective bracing means.

JULIUS B. VOGES.

